Appetite for fun keeps Deep South economy going up, up, up

An Big Appetite for Fun keeps the Deep South Economy Going Up, Up, Up...

Kentucky's Green Turtle Bay is experiencing record vacation rentals and posted record sales at their recent In-Water Boat Show Easter Weekend.

The 7th Largest independent Sea Ray Dealer in the world,Erwin Marine, opens their new location on the Tennessee River's Lake Guntersville to handle their Southeast regional growth.

"I don't believe we're in the recession like the rest of the country even though we've had layoffs around here, too, like the satellite companies that sell to the automotive industry. For us though, we just don't have the cluster of big corporations like larger cities, We just keep plugging away and do our thing come rain or shine" says Vida Gary, Vice President of Green Turtle Bay Resort and Marina on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes in Kentucky.

More than 2500 people attended their in-water show over the Easter weekend, ordinarily perceived to be the worst time to sell boats. But Gary says the crowd was current owners looking to upgrade as well as people buying for the first time ever.

"People here have always spent their money conservatively while at the same time they're going to have their fun, too. They're pretty smart and know right now is a good time to buy if they really want a boat," comments Gary. "But they want a deal." GTB's vacation rental has been higher than any year in the past with vacationers coming for the Summer of 2009 from largely a 300 mile radius, reinforcing the tourism trends that families will vacation closer to home this year.

Boat Sales find a mecca in the Deep South

Erwin Marine Sales is now the 7th largest independent Sea Ray dealer in the world. Expanding to Lake Guntersville means servicing a growing area of customers that much better. see the announcement here

Ranked #8 in the nation in 2007 for total boating expenditures, one of only 7 states that even saw an increase, Alabama's love affair with boating only complements the stats for other Deep South states. Erwin Marine's Chattanooga, Tennessee facility is one of the largest in the region. Their Nashville and Knoxville locations continue to grow partnerships with area marinas to accommodate that growth.

"We're committed to serving the North Alabama boating community...we've seen it grow and know this is a strong market," says company president, Kayo Erwin.

Read more about the growing regional opportunities in the May/June issue of LIFE ON THE WATER Magazine.